The Newcastle Herald understands several clubs had expressed concern over the issue to the NRL before the meeting, and coaches Paul Davies (South Newcastle), Mal Graham (Macquarie) and Todd Edwards (Cessnock) were publicly critical of Maitland last week.

But NRL chairman Trevor Crow said until he was presented with proof that the Pickers' management had spent above the cap they would not be punished.

"It was surprisingly low-key last night, and as far as the board is concerned until someone comes forward turning speculation into fact, we're taking Maitland on face value and we're supporting them at the moment," Crow said yesterday.

"I think most clubs know they'd be given the same courtesy if the roles were reversed."

The Pickers admitted two weeks ago they were in danger of breaching the $180,000 salary cap due to exceeding their forecast budget of nine wins.

Their players have since signed new contracts to accept loss payments to keep them under the cap.

Northern Blues secretary Geoff Bulmer said clubs were prepared to let Maitland work themselves out of their predicament.

"I think everybody's prepared to just run with it," Bulmer said.

"We can't do a Melbourne Storm on them. Let's face it, we need Maitland in the comp as much as we need the Northern Blues or Kurri."

At the meeting a $20,000 reduction in the salary cap to $160,000 was endorsed for next season and a modified player points system was agreed upon.

Under the system, players are given a points value based on their status, and this season all clubs have 1000 points.

Next season the premiers will have 650 points, the runners-up will have 700 and the third-ranked team play with 750.

The clubs which finished fourth and fifth in 2010 will have 800, teams six to eight will have 850, and ninth and the wooden-spooners can recruit with 900 and 1000 points.

Local juniors are worth zero points and a player's worth is reduced each year they spend at a club.

Any player approached from a rival club who finished above his own on the ladder would be worth double points.

Crow said a sliding points system was the best way to improve the lop-sided competition while allowing successful teams to stay together.

"If Wests win the competition, at worst they get to keep a premiership-winning side, but their points don't allow them to strengthen their side by taking someone from another club," he said.